Fine Homebuilding Magazine Article

From Fine Homebuilding211, pp. 16-22
April 29, 2010

"Remodeling and construction are service businesses, not commodity businesses. In a slow economy especially, homeowners and architects are well advised to remember this fact when selecting contractors. Although bidding can provide a homeowner with a low initial price to do a project, it is likely not a good way to select a contractor to get high construction quality. To do this, it is best to choose the most desirable contractor based on a perception of his competence and fairness; his track record of building well-designed projects; and insightful comments received both from customers and architects with whom he has worked. After a contractor has been selected and has carefully reviewed and commented on the information in the drawings and specifications, then it’s time for him and the homeowner to negotiate a detailed price for the work. " for the entire article http://t.co/BIb8OlP

Lot Cleared, Memories Preserved

Welcome the newest members of the Structures family, Mike and Janet McClain! The lot has been cleared for their Old Village Custom Home and with the clearing came an unexpected surprise. A note was found on the driveway from Renee explaining that she lived in the previous house on this lot as a child and left imprints of her hands in the concrete when the driveway was initially instated. With the help of A.B. Evans, we were able to secure the handprints in a block of concrete and return it to her. This lot has preserved many memories and we hope the McClains will continue to make many more.

Building Up the Community

The Structures team partnered with Daniel Island Real Estate and Operation Home last Friday to help the Fishburne family by building a ramp and executing kitchen renovations. The family's kitchen was in need of significant repairs including holes in the floor and cabinet reconstruction.

Special thanks to Carpet Baggers for new kitchen flooring, Sullivan Custom Cabinets for new cabinets that matched the previous ones perfectly, Ferguson Enterprises for plumbing fixtures, East Cooper Plumbing and Gas for plumbing hookups, Buck Lumber for the necessary building materials for the ramp, Marty Kersey from the Structures team for organizing and implementing the project, Randy Wilke who spent many hours collaborating with Marty, Hawk McElveen for assisting Randy with the trim, and NYPD Pizza for generously discounted pizza that fed the whole crew and family. This project served as an exceptional way to further build relationships by giving back to the community.

The Structures Team

Deborah Way, RP Newton, Steve Kendrick, Marty Kersey, Dave Hargis

Congratulations on Turning 7 RP!

Join us in celebrating RP's 7th year as Production Manager with Structures. RP thoroughly manages and estimates the minute details of each and every project with precision and years of experience. Each project is an opportunity for RP to ensure that all the client's ideas and expectations are realized!

Annual Prism Awards

Each year, we look forward with great anticipation to the Prism Awards. The 22 year old tradition was hosted by the Charleston Trident Home Builders Association on September 24th. This year they presented awards to local home builders and agents who exceed standards in product quality, marketing, new home sales and customer service. The Structures Team aims to build a quality product, no matter the size or budget, that exceeds the expectations along with an incredible building experience that leaves the client raving and surprised that the process could be so fun!

This year, Steven Kendrick was honored with the Green Building award for our Coastal Living Idea Cottage located in I'On Village, Mount Pleasant. Along with the Green Building Award, we received the Single Family Best Product in the 500-700k category.

Too early to begin working towards the awards for 2011? The Structures Team is already preparing for the 23rd Prism Awards as we know that it doesn't come through just an entry submission, but rather a continued dedication to building on the foundation of integrity, which in turn translates into an excellent product and a satisfied client!

The New York Times: 36 Hours in Charleston

From Historic Downtown Charleston to Johns Island and Wadmalaw Island, the points of interest and restaurants surrounding the peninsula are seemingly overflowing. As residents of Charleston, South Carolina we never cease to discover a new local restaurant or experience a meticulously preserved plantation. But if you're interested in a more public display of the intriguing entities that Charleston and the neighboring areas have to offer, check out the New York Times 36 Hours in Charleston. It boasts eateries such as Cypress Lowcountry Grille and WildFlour Pastry and boutique shopping at Magar Hatworks and Blue Bicycle Books. If artistic endeavors and Lowcountry wanderings are more your speed, take the Times up on their nods toward Wadmalaw's scenic vineyard, Charleston's Saturday morning Farmer's Market, or the Dock Street Theatre's early English opera "Flora". The New York Times reviews the complete 36 Hours itinerary, accentuating but not exhausting the endless highlights of this coastal city.

Charleston's 34th Annual Fall Tour of Houses and Gardens

Each fall, the Charleston Preservation Society makes it possible for residents and tourists alike to venture through the historical homes, churches, and public buildings that make Charleston the sought after city that it is through the 34th Annual Tour of Houses and Gardens. Each historic neighborhood plays a significant role in the heritage of Charleston, and homeowners are generous enough to allow those interested to peruse the interior aspects and exterior gardens for a more intimate look. The tour runs from September 23 - October 24 and tickets are available as individual day tours or weekend packages. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to experience a personal tour of the interiors of Downtown Charleston and learn more about the culture, architecture, and history of this quaint city.